IK4-AZTERLAN takes part in the “3rd Bolt Connection Conference 2019”, an international reference event in the field of bolted joints

The Metallurgy Research Centre has a wide experience in the characterization and optimization of bolted joints applied to the wind energy sector and to the automotive and Oil&Gas industries, among others.

Technicians from the Mechanical Properties Area of IK4-AZTERLAN Metallurgy Research Centre have taken part in the “3rd Bolt Connection Conference 2019”. A reference technical event that has taken place on March 27th and 28th in Meschede (Germany). Organized by the ITH Bolting Technology company along with the University of Applied Sciences of Southwestfalia, the Conference has gathered nearly 200 international experts to share the latest developments and future trends for high dimensions (>M20) and high resistance fastening elements by means of torque and tensioning methods.

A wide working program focused on different technical aspects such as design, fastening methods, quality management or maintenance has covered diverse aspects of the technology such as the calculation of the joint preload, advanced fastening methods, factors that affect to fatigue and experimental testing methods (Eurocode 3), protection methods against corrosion and hydrogen fragilization phenomena, preload measurements by means of ultrasound system, digitalization and monitoring of the joints or the “intelligent bolt” concept.

In addition, during the technical meeting, the most recent updates incorporated to the VDI 2230 standard part 3 for secure bolted joints have been reviewed. DNV-GL has presented as well, some of the keys to minimize the maintenance operations of bolted joints based on experiences related to the wind energy sector.

IK4-AZTERLAN Technology Centre has a wide expertise in the characterization of fastening technologies, failure analysis and execution of bolted joints by means of the torque method

The participation of IK4-AZTERLAN in this outstanding event reinforces the experience and the knowledge developed by the Metallurgy Research Centre in the testing and fastening torques, as well as in failure analysis during the lifetime service.

The Research Center is accredited by ENAC to perform tests under the standards ISO 898 parts 1 and 2 (for the characterization of fixation elements), and ISO 16047 (for torque fastening testing).

Regarding the tightening torque capabilities, IK4-AZTERLAN has two different testing benches, one of them with capacities up to 6.000 Nm and the other one with capacities up to 30.000 Nm. By these means, significant parameters such as the preload of bolted joints, the friction coefficients for this kind of fastening typology and the contour conditions for the actual assembly of a joint can be determined.

IK4-AZTERLAN relies on a team of experts that are highly specialized in metallurgy and in lifetime service failure analysis, with more than 15 years of experience working for the wind energy, automotive and Oil&Gas sectors, among many others.

A moment of the “3rd Bolt Connection Conference 2019” where the IK4-AZTERLAN Metallurgy Research Centre has taken part